Specific intent is a legal term referring to the actual intent to perform some act along with a desire for the consequences that result from that act. It implies that an individual not only intended to perform the act but also aimed to achieve a particular outcome or consequence through that act. In criminal law, specific intent crimes require proof that the defendant had a particular intention or goal when committing the offense. Examples of specific intent crimes include first-degree murder, where the intent is to cause the death of another person.
Depending on the offense alleged, both tort plaintiffs and criminal prosecutors may need to prove that the defendant acted with specific intent. This contrasts with general intent and strict liability.
[Last updated in June of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]